Just getting back on the field was enough for Illinois WR Mike Dudek, but he made a pretty big impact early in the game.

After missing the past two years due to injuries, Dudek was playing in his first game since the 2014 season. So, of course, he’s on the receiving end of the Illini’s first touchdown of the 2017 season.

That TD catch came early in the first quarter:

 

Dudek was Illinois’ leading receiver in 2014, catching 76 passes for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns. Despite the two-year delay, it looks like the Illini WR is picking up where he left off.

The touchdown gave the Illini a 7-0 lead over Ball State in the first quarter.